The Reporting and Analysis of Research Findings for Within–Subject Designs: Methodological Issues for Meta–Analysis

Abstract

The results of studying the older athlete provide inference to the possible physiological limits found at various ages and the effect of physical activity on the aging process. As a result of the increase in development of atherosclerosis with age and the high intensity effort involved in track competition, the importance of a maximal stress test prior to entering into competition was discussed. The results presented showed 40- to 75-yr-old champion track competitors to have excellent performance, cardiopulmonary function, and body composition characteristics when compared to sedentary and moderately trained subjects of similar ages. Although maximal performance and oxygen intake decreased with age, a dramatic reduction did not occur until after age 65. Body composition measures, maximal pulmonary ventilation, resting heart rate and blood pressure, and serum lipids were similar for subjects up to age 65, but showed a significant decrement thereafter. The causes of the decrement in performance and physiological function with age could not be determined, but were thought to result from a combination of factors, e.g., aging, quantity and quality of conditioning, and number of years in continuous training.     

The effects of static stretching on speed and agility: One or multiple repetition protocols?

Although static stretching (SS) is utilized during warm-up before training and competition, the results about its effects on performance remain controversial. We examined whether performing a stretch of short-to-moderate duration (<60 sec) in a single repetition produces a similar or different effect on speed and agility performance from the effect which is produced while performing the same stretch in multiple repetitions of the same total duration. According to a repeated measurement design, 40 trained males were randomly assigned to either (1) a single repetition group or (2) a multiple repetition group. The participants in each group performed five trials: a control trial (no stretches were performed) and four experimental trials of SS protocols consisting of five exercises performed at either 20 sec (2 × 10 in the second group), 30 sec (3 × 10 in the second group), 40 sec (4 × 10 in the second group) or 60 sec (6 × 10 in the second group) of total duration. A two-way repeated measures analysis of variance showed that the participants in both group improved their speed performance in response to the 20-sec trial, whereas agility remained unaffected. Data analysis also revealed that the repetition number did not affect speed and agility performance. These data suggest that SS of short duration (<30 sec) may actually improve acute speed performance, whereas SS of moderate duration may not hamper speed and agility performance. Moreover, the effects of SS protocols are related to the total duration of each exercise and not to the number of repetitions in which each exercise is performed.     

Analysis and modification of verbal coaching behaviour: The usefulness of a data‐driven intervention strategy

This study tested a computer‐aided coaching analysis instrument (CAI) as part of an intervention strategy designed to modify verbal coaching behaviour. Four coaches were observed and analysed over 12 practice sessions. Coaches A, B and C received intervention feedback through CAI data, where selected behaviours were highlighted for discussion, and videotape images were used to illustrate discussion points. Coach D was provided with videotapes of his own performance and told to formulate and implement any of his own recommendations. The CAI data are primarily quantitative, so target values were created for the different dimensions of verbal behaviour. This benefited the coaches in interpreting their effectiveness and provided a reference to evaluate the magnitude of change. Written journals and audiotape recordings were also used to promote insight into the complexity of verbal behaviour and the ‘human factors’ (e.g. relationship with players, attitude to researcher) that affect behaviour modification.

Instructional effectiveness was assessed by time‐series analysis. There was evidence from each behaviour dimension that change can occur and be maintained as a result of exposure to the CAI intervention strategy. However, this is clearly contingent upon the coach understanding what is asked of him or her, and remains focused and committed to changing these particular behaviours. The analysis of Coach D's behavioural change suggests there are limitations to the sensitivity of discretionary viewing, as only two dimensions of behaviour were identified for, and resulted in, positive change. The results of this study provide support for Locke's (1984) contention that behaviour modification can occur by using data as direct feedback, as reinforcement and as information in the form of recommendations. However, the study also illuminates several factors that can negate the modification and maintenance of verbal coaching behaviour.     

The Biomechanical Analysis of Equal Speed Centripetal Constringency in the Hipbone and Knee Joints＇ Bends and Stretches of Football and Speed Skating Athletes

以系统训练的足球和速滑运动员为研究对象,采用Cybex-Norm等速测力系统对运动员髋关节屈伸等速向心收缩的力学测试,探讨两项目运动员髋关节在不同速度下屈伸的力学特征规律与不同,为运动员的科学训练和选材等提供理论依据。     

Effectiveness of the Slide and Cross-Over Steps In Volleyball Blocking—A Temporal Analysis

Abstract

Three initial step techniques for moving laterally are commonly used by middle blockers in volleyball. These three methods are (1) the slide step, (2) the cross-over step, and (3) the jab cross-over step. The purpose of the current investigation was to study the relationship between the three initial step techniques and selected time variables involved in the jumping and blocking action. Four criterion measures were extracted from film footage (100 frames/sec) using cinematographic data collection techniques. Six skilled volleyball players were used as subjects (3 men and 3 women). A split-split plot 3 (step method) × 2 (response direction) × 2 (sex) factorial design, with repeated measures on method and direction, were used to analyze the criterion measures. Results of the analysis revealed a clear relationship between step method and three of the time variables studied. Specifically, the cross-over steps (and in particular the jab cross-over) were observed to be superior to the slide step in terms of getting the athlete's body off the ground and into a blocking position quickly. While earlier investigations demonstrated that the slide step was superior in terms of getting from a middle blocking position to a floor switch mat (stationary target) it seems clear from the present investigation that the jab cross-over is superior in terms of actual jumping and blocking efficiency.     

The mainstreaming of disability cricket in England and Wales: Integration ‘One Game’ at a time

Disability sport in Great Britain has, since its genesis over sixty years ago, gained greater public profile with each passing decade. Arguably, this is a result of a more direct, interventionist approach from the British government and the Sport Councils into the field of disability sport over the past twenty years. In this paper we highlight a case of integration within sport by examining the process of mainstreaming disability cricket within England and Wales. Following a review of the extant literature in this area we will draw upon Bourdieu's practice theory in order to examine the impact of the implementation of policy on the management of issues of disability in mainstream cricket. Longitudinal ethnographic data (including participant observation and semi-structured interviews) was collected on the organizations involved in this mainstreaming process. Informants were either involved in the delivery of disability cricket or in the management of disability sports partnerships. Preliminary findings suggest that true integration is still unrealized. Whether the policy seeks true integration or whether mainstreaming is simply another modernizing process seeking greater efficiencies from sport organizations is unclear. Nevertheless a number of institutional pressures from the proximal and distal external environments have provided support for generating mainstreaming initiatives at management levels. In addition to these findings we argue that an additional outcome of this research is to demonstrate the suitability of a relational approach for conceptualizing policy, its interpretation by sport managers and the implementation strategies that follow.     

Lacrosse History,a History of One Sport or Two? A Comparative Analysis of Men's Lacrosse and Women's Lacrosse in the United States

Men's lacrosse and women's lacrosse share a name, but their histories differ. Both sports developed and became organised in close concert with the race, class and gender expectations of the eras. As a result, the sports began with rules that reflected those norms. Over time, the sports developed separately and generated unique forms, even as they sustained moments of interaction. Therefore, men's lacrosse and women's lacrosse are different sports. Using comparisons as the mode through which to view the sports, this article explores the organised beginnings of men's lacrosse and women's lacrosse to establish that the sports began and continued within identity-based norms. Through the discussion of the practical distinctions and critical understandings of the differences between the games, the author poses that these dissimilarities are relevant in considerations of the separate sports as they continue to change in the larger US sporting context. As sports such as basketball demonstrate, these arguments matter because broad-scale comparisons of women's sports to men's frequently render women's sport participants, and the sports they play, inferior. Notably, women's lacrosse participants also employed comparisons to distinguish and claim their history as unique from that of men's lacrosse. A comparative analysis highlights points of disjuncture between the sports and contextualises the importance of gender in the articulations of difference.     

The Statistics and Analysis of the Age Structure of Men＇s Basketball Players in the 11th National Games

运用文献资料和数理统计等方法,对参加第十一届全运会男篮决赛阶段144名运动员的年龄结构、攻守效能进行统计分析。结果表明：运动员年龄结构极不合理,比例失调,22岁以下运动员占总数的53.5%,29岁以上运动员仅占总人数的12.5%;运动员平均每场上场时间分别为23～28岁年龄段21min2s、29岁以上17min54s、22岁以下14min19s,三者差距明显。     

'It's Only the Sissies …': Analysis of Teaching and Learning Processes in Physical Education: A Contribution to the Hidden Curriculum

The article is a discussion and an analysis of an event observed in a critical classroom study on teaching and learning in physical education. It demonstrates how sociocultural discourses are embedded in children's and teachers' discursive practices [Fairclough (1992) Discourse and Social Change (Cambridge, Polity Press)] in the classroom, how discourses of physical education and discourses of gender relations are connected, and how these construct and are constructed by the social structures of the physical education lesson, and influence students' learning. Using the notion of situated learning [Lave & Wenger (1991) Situated Learning: Legitimate Peripheral Participation (Cambridge, Cambridge University Press); Wenger (1998) Community of Practice: Learning, Meaning, and Identity (Cambridge, Cambridge University Press)], the paper analyses how discourses in the physical education setting influence children's learning processes, and points to the different meanings the discursive practices observed in the classroom have for the girls as compared to the boys. This analysis allows for some concluding comments on learning and the hidden curriculum in physical education.     

One hundred and fifty years of sprint and distance running – Past trends and future prospects

Sprint and distance running have experienced remarkable performance improvements over the past century. Attempts to forecast running performances share an almost similarly long history but have relied so far on relatively short data series. Here, we compile a comprehensive set of season-best performances for eight Olympically contested running events. With this data set, we conduct (1) an exponential time series analysis and (2) a power-law experience curve analysis to quantify the rate of past performance improvements and to forecast future performances until the year 2100. We find that the sprint and distance running performances of women and men improve exponentially with time and converge at yearly rates of 4% ± 3% and 2% ± 2%, respectively, towards their asymptotic limits. Running performances can also be modelled with the experience curve approach, yielding learning rates of 3% ± 1% and 6% ± 2% for the women's and men's events, respectively. Long-term trends suggest that: (1) women will continue to run 10–20% slower than men, (2) 9.50 s over 100 m dash may only be broken at the end of this century and (3) several middle- and long-distance records may be broken within the next two to three decades. The prospects of witnessing a sub-2 hour marathon before 2100 remain inconclusive. Our results should be interpreted cautiously as forecasting human behaviour is intrinsically uncertain. The future season-best sprint and distance running performances will continue to scatter around the trends identified here and may yield unexpected improvements of standing world records.     

The process toward commitment to running—The role of different motives,involvement, and coaching

The purpose of this investigation was twofold: (a) to explore and describe the relationships between different facets of motivation, involvement, and commitment to running, and (b) to test whether recreational coached runners differ from non-coached runners in their motivation, involvement, and commitment to running. Drawing on the psychological continuum model (PCM), a model was proposed to test relationships among motives, attitudinal and behavioral involvement, and commitment to running as a leisure activity. Results showed that two (enjoyment and health) out of five motives were significant indicators of attitudinal involvement. Attitudinal involvement was a significant predictor of behavioral involvement, which in turn was a significant predictor of commitment. Coached runners differed from non-coached runners in all tested variables. The structural relationships among the variables varied based on the tested group. Implications for theory and practice are presented.     

Friendship—Development—Surpass——The Achievements of the International Cultural Exchange of Ji'nan Acrobatic Troupe

Chinese Power conquered Atlantic west coast once again on Feb.5,2005.In the 17~(th) Premier Juvenile Com- petition of Monte Carlo International Circus Festival,the act High Chairs on the Spinning Table from Ji'nan Acro- batic Troupe with the full marks from nine juries,on behalf of China,won the highest award“Gold K Award”and the“Princess Cup”.     

The Investigation Report of Farmers’ Political Cognition and Ability

In order to investigate the situation of political cognition and ability, the research group had surveyed some rural areas by the methods of questionnaires, literature review and case interviews. The d...     

‘One of the Worst Statistics in British Sport,and Wholly Unacceptable’: The Contribution of Privately Educated Members of Team GB to the Summer Olympic Games, 2000–2012

Much has been published on sport in Britain's private schools of the Victorian and Edwardian eras, but no research of modern policy, practice and outcomes has been conducted since the 1970s. Assessment of the contribution of these schools to Team GB at recent summer Olympic Games – and to international sport in general – by politicians, sports leaders and physical education lobbyists has thus largely been informed by speculation. Future government policy on physical education and sport in schools may therefore be influenced by flawed evidence. This article examines the schooling of all members of Team GB for the summer Olympic Games of 2000–2012, and compares the contribution of its privately educated and state-educated members in terms of performance in competition and medals won. Online research using the websites of schools, sports associations, governing bodies of sport, Olympic associations and the media, together with biographies of sportsmen and sportswomen, provided information about each team member's schooling, sporting background and Olympic record. The speculation was inaccurate – exaggerating the proportion of privately educated members of Team GB but underestimating their contribution.     

The effects of 15 min and 30 min of exercise on affective responses both during and after exercise

Although much research has examined the relationship between exercise and affect, few studies have considered the effects of exercise bouts of different durations and few researchers have questioned the longer term effects that might be associated with acute exercise. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of the standard health recommended exercise duration of 30?min with a shorter (15?min) bout of exercise upon individuals' affect scores both during and after exercise. Twenty-three (mean age 22.4 years) physically active participants engaged in two counterbalanced cycle ergometer exercise conditions for 15?min (short bout) and 30?min (moderate bout). The participants completed the Subjective Exercise Experience Scale before, during, 5?min, 30 mins, 1?h and 2?h after both exercise conditions. A series of 2 × 6 within-participant repeated-measures analyses of variance for positive well-being (P?<0.01), psychological distress (P?<0.01) and fatigue (P?<0.01) scores revealed significant time main effects, with improved scores over time. No significant differences were noted between the 15-min and 30-min exercise bouts. These results indicate that positive affective responses are experienced by exercisers after relatively short bouts of acute exercise and these effects can still be evident some time later.     

The doping self-reporting game: The paradox of a ‘false-telling’ mechanism and its potential research and policy implications

Establishing a requirement for, justifying public spending on, and evaluating the effectiveness of anti-doping policies all accentuate the need for reliable estimates of doping prevalence in sport. To date, despite considerable effort and much empirical research, this critical information is still not available. Methodological concerns that make doping epidemiology research difficult have been noted, and to some degree addressed in relation to under-reporting bias. In this paper, we use a simple game model to outline a potential responding behaviour among self-reporting athletes on the use of doping that could potentially invalidate any prevalence estimation arising from self-reports. We show a paradoxical situation in which a potential strategic behaviour inevitably leads to a game where the ‘lying’ is a dominant strategy for both doping users and non-users. A slightly more advanced look at the situation might possibly alter this seemingly absurd conclusion, however not in a direction offering any easy solutions for empirical doping research. Although we acknowledge that the proportions of respondents engaging in false telling are likely to vary across samples and differ between doping users and clean athletes, our simple model effectively draws attention to a neglected side of evasive responding in surveys. The response bias that potentially could lead to under- and over-reporting should be considered when self-reported prevalence rates are used to inform anti-doping prevention and intervention policies. Survey methodologies that are able to account for potential distortions would make a considerable contribution to doping research.     

The Social Background of Ireland’s Pre-World War I Association Football Clubs,Players and Administrators: The Case of South and West Ulster

This paper examines the development of association football in the South and West Ulster counties of Fermanagh, Tyrone, Cavan, and Monaghan in the pre-World War One era against the backdrop of the sporting ‘revolution’ and the political and social climate in Ireland at that time. While the Irish Football Association was founded in Belfast in 1880 and the game’s early growth in Ireland was centred in East Ulster, South and West Ulster were areas which were rather dislocated from the hearth of soccer in the province’s largest city, where professional structures were in place by 1894 and where senior and junior association football clubs were strongest. The origins of a number of clubs are examined and it will be shown that despite a lack of major industry and a professional structure, by the early 1900s, the game of soccer had established a strong role within society in many local communities in the area. An examination of the social backgrounds of players and administrators illustrates that leagues and cups were played on a cross-community basis in many areas and that patronage, as well as player participation and administration, came from nationalists as well as unionists.